Patellar Tendonitis Treatment in Singapore

While it might be tempting to power through the pain and participate in athletic competitions as per usual, this is not advisable as you’ll run the risk of causing your condition to worsen.

Therefore, athletic participation should be minimised and only engaged in after consulting with a trained physician. Your physician will be able to come up with a management plan taking into account your athletic goals and the health of your body. Additionally, daily exercises should be modified to include adequate warm-ups and rest periods, with priority given to knee strengthening exercises.

Patellar tendonitis is often caused by the overuse or injury of the knee joint. It is commonly experienced by:

1. Individuals who frequently engage in activities that result in high impact on the knee area, such as frequent squatting or jumping on hard surfaces.
2. The elderly whose tendons are less elastic and more prone to injury.
3. Individuals with structural abnormalities in the lower limbs, like flat feet or weak gluteal muscles. 

Additionally, patellar tendonitis can occur from a sudden increase in activity, poor training techniques, improper footwear, and insufficient warm-up and stretching exercises. If the individual continues to power through with strenuous activity despite the pain, microscopic fractures on the lower edge of the kneecap can occur. The soreness will likely develop into a chronic condition.

If patellar tendonitis is left untreated, it can lead to worsening pain and discomfort, potentially restricting daily activities and athletic performance. Over time, the tendon may weaken, increasing the risk of tears or ruptures that require more extensive support. Chronic inflammation can also cause the tendon to degenerate, leading to long-term knee problems and decreased joint function.

The risks or complications associated with patellar tendonitis surgery may include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage, which are common to many surgical procedures. There's also a specific risk of weakening or rupture of the patellar tendon itself. Post-surgery, patients might experience stiffness, decreased range of motion, or difficulty in fully recovering strength and flexibility. Additionally, as with any surgery, there's a possibility that the operation does not fully resolve the pain or functional issues.

Depending on the extent of your injury and the type of procedure, certain therapies for patellar tendonitis may be claimable under your insurance provider or MediSave. Therefore, patients are recommended to visit the clinic and confirm the eligibility of their treatment for MediSave claims and the level of coverage offered by their insurance provider.

Patellar tendonitis is a common condition that can impact individuals of all ages. Although, it is more prevalent in those who are involved in sports or activities that put stress on the knees such as athletes who participate in basketball, volleyball, or gymnastics. Likewise, people who have flat feet, high arches, or other structural abnormalities of the feet or legs may also be more prone to developing this condition. Those who experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint should seek medical attention from an orthopaedic surgeon, who can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate procedures based on the severity of the injury.